The 9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is one of the longest and most scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route approaches the mountain from the west before crossing the quiet northern slopes and joining the summit circuit.
With nine days on the mountain, this route provides a gradual ascent and plenty of time for acclimatization. It is an excellent choice for trekkers who want a longer itinerary with a more relaxed pace and an opportunity to experience different landscapes around Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trek ends with the summit attempt at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending through the southern side of the mountain
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate
Ending Point: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you will drive from Arusha or Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration and other park formalities. The trek begins through the beautiful rainforest, where you may see different species of birds and monkeys.
The trail gradually climbs through the forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting Point: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Ending Point: Shira 1 Camp
Walking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and continue toward the Shira Plateau. The vegetation becomes shorter as you enter the moorland zone.
The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Kilimanjaro. You will arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting Point: Shira 1 Camp
Ending Point: Shira 2 Camp
Walking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Habitat: Moorland
Today is a relatively moderate trekking day. You cross the Shira Plateau while enjoying views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.
The slower pace allows your body to continue adapting to the increasing altitude. After reaching Shira 2 Camp, you can relax and prepare for the next stage of the trek.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting Point: Shira 2 Camp
Ending Point: Moir Hut
Walking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
The trail gradually climbs from the Shira Plateau toward the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The landscape becomes more rugged as you approach the higher elevations.
You will trek toward Moir Hut, located in a quieter section of the mountain. The area provides impressive views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting Point: Moir Hut
Ending Point: Buffalo Camp
Walking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you continue along the northern circuit. The trail passes through rocky terrain with several gradual climbs and descents.
You will reach Buffalo Camp, where you can rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This section of the route is generally quieter than some of the more popular southern trails.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting Point: Buffalo Camp
Ending Point: Third Cave Camp
Walking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek continues around the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail involves several ups and downs but remains manageable at a steady pace.
You eventually arrive at Third Cave Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night preparing for the final approach toward the summit.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting Point: Third Cave Camp
Ending Point: School Hut
Walking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you continue toward the eastern side of the mountain and gradually gain altitude.
The trek is shorter, allowing you to rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Upon arrival at School Hut, your guide will brief you about the upcoming summit climb.
Try to rest as much as possible and prepare your equipment for the early morning departure.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Starting Point: School Hut
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m
Ending Point: Millennium Camp
Walking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Habitat: Arctic / Alpine Desert
You will wake up around midnight and begin the summit attempt.
The trail climbs toward Gilman’s Point before continuing along the crater rim toward Stella Point. From there, you proceed toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest mountain in Africa.
After spending some time at the summit taking photographs and enjoying the achievement, you begin the descent.
You will continue down toward Millennium Camp, where you will have dinner and rest after the long summit day.
Accommodation: Mountain tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
